MSL T20 2018, Match 17, Tshwane Spartans vs Cape Town Blitz, Match Prediction: Who will win the Match?

Tshwane Spartans would be relieved for the fact that they were able to beat Jozi Stars by four wickets at SuperSport Park in Centurion. The team, captained by AB de Villiers, is still placed at the bottom-half of the table and need a few victories under their belt to make further progress in the 2018 Mzansi Super League (MSL). They would next be facing Cape Town Blitz, the table toppers, in Centurion itself.

The Blitz, led by Farhaan Behardien, have had a stupendous campaign, but luck didn’t favour them in their last two matches. While their encounter against Nelson Mandela Bay Giants was called off, Paarl Rocks thumped them at Boland Park. The team finishing at the top of the points table would qualify straight for the finals on Sunday, December 16, and both teams would be vying for the spot.

Pitch

The track at the venue has been decent for batting and bowlers haven’t had much to cheer in the two matches, which have taken place thus far in Centurion. The deck isn’t expected to change much, and batting second seems to be the more sensible option. Rain may also interrupt play bearing in mind the weather conditions in the last few days.

Team Combination

Tshwane Spartans

Gihahn Cloete and Dean Elgar will be the opening batsmen with Corbin Bosch to follow. Theunis de Bruyn will bat at number three. A lot would depend on how de Viilliers performs, both as the batsman and captain. The batting has a fair amount of depth with the likes of Robbie Frylinck, Sean Williams and Jeevan Mendis in the ranks. All three can also weave magic with the leather in hand.

Probable XI

Gihahn Cloete (wk), Dean Elgar, Corbin Bosch, Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers (C), Tony de Zorzi, Robbie Frylinck, Sean Williams, Jeevan Mendis, Lutho Sipamla, Eldred Hawken

Cape Town Blitz

Quinton de Kock and Janneman Malan are the openers with all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo to bat at number three. Farhaan Behardien will bat at number four with the Pakistani duo of Asif Ali and Hussain Talat to bat at number five and six respectively. In the bowling department, it goes without saying that a lot of responsibility would be on veteran fast bowler Dale Steyn.

Probable XI

Quinton de Kock (wk), Janneman Malan, Andile Phehlukwayo, Farhaan Behardien (C), Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Ferisco Adams, George Linde, Dane Piedt, Malusi Siboto, Dale Steyn

Probable Top Performers

Reeza Hendricks- Tshwane Spartans, Farhaan Behardien- Cape Town Blitz

Broadcast Details

Live Streaming – Sony LIV

Match Timings – 22:30 IST; 19:00 local

The prediction is for the Cape Town Blitz to win the match.